Director, People Operations

Position SummaryThe Director, People Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for building and delivering best-in-class HR infrastructure across Calbee America’s multi-site U.S. workforce. This role leads and continuously enhances core HR operational functions including payroll, time & attendance, benefits administration, 401(k), leave of absence, workers’ compensation, HR systems, compliance, and employee records management. Your leadership and team building skills will be a key asset for this team.This leader plays a critical role in advancing Calbee’s Operational Excellence strategy by ensuring accurate, compliant, and seamless HR processes that elevate the employee experience. Through strong governance, modernized systems, and people-first service delivery, the Director, People Operations helps position Calbee as an employer of choice and supports our commitment to becoming a Best Place to Work across our corporate and manufacturing environments.As the senior HR Operations leader, this role designs scalable infrastructure, drives process optimization, and leads a team of People Operations professionals. The Director partners closely with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, IT, plant leadership, and external vendors to ensure operational rigor, workforce stability, and sustainable business growth. You will report to the SVP, Human Resources.Key ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Payroll & Time Administration Leadership:Oversee end-to-end payroll operations across all U.S. locations for exempt and non-exempt employees. Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing in alignment with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. Provide executive oversight of time and attendance systems, pay rules, schedules, and system integrations. Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, reconciliations, tax filings, and year-end reporting. Lead payroll vendor strategy, contract negotiations, and service-level performance management. Drive automation, controls, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy and efficiency. Benefits & 401(k) Strategy And AdministrationLead strategy, design, and administration of employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k). Serve as executive liaison to brokers, carriers, and retirement plan administrators. Oversee annual open enrollment strategy, communications, and execution. Ensure compliance with ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulatory requirements. Evaluate benefit trends, cost models, and employee engagement data to enhance competitiveness and retention. Strengthen total rewards programs that reinforce Calbee’s employer brand and “Best Places to Work” objectives. Leave Of Absence & Workers’ Compensation GovernanceProvide strategic oversight of FMLA, CFRA, ADA accommodations, paid state leaves, and company leave programs. Direct workers’ compensation administration, vendor partnerships, claims management, and return-to-work programs. Ensure consistent and compliant case management practices across all sites. Monitor risk trends and implement proactive strategies to reduce exposure and improve employee support. HR Program & Project LeadershipLead enterprise HR initiatives including annual compensation cycles, merit and bonus planning, and pay program implementation. Drive HR system upgrades, integrations, automation enhancements, and digital transformation initiatives. Oversee wellness program design and workforce engagement initiatives aligned to productivity and retention goals. Develop project governance, timelines, stakeholder communication plans, and measurable success metrics. Remove operational barriers and align cross-functional stakeholders to ensure execution of excellence. HR System & Data GovernanceServe as executive owner of HRIS platforms (Dayforce strongly preferred). Ensure data integrity, security, and standardized processes across multi-state operations. Develop workforce analytics dashboards and compliance reporting to support executive decision-making. Leverage technology to modernize service delivery and reduce manual processes. Operational Excellence & ComplianceEnsure accurate and compliant employee records management across all U.S. locations. Maintain audit readiness for I-9, EEO-1, ACA, wage & hour, and other regulatory requirements. Lead internal HR audits, policy governance, and compliance reviews. Own HR operations budgets including payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR technology investments. Leadership Impact AreasEnterprise Payroll & Benefits Excellence People-First Service Delivery Operational Rigor & Automation Risk & Compliance Governance Data-Driven Workforce Strategy Employer of Choice & Best Place to Work Initiatives QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience). 8–12 years of progressive HR Operations leadership experience, including oversight of payroll, timekeeping, benefits, 401(k), and HR systems. Demonstrated experience leading multi-site, multi-state HR operations (manufacturing environment preferred). Strong HRIS expertise (Dayforce strongly preferred). Deep knowledge of wage & hour laws, payroll taxation, employment compliance, benefits regulations, and leave management. Proven success driving process transformation, operational excellence, and scalable HR infrastructure. Experience managing HR operations budgets and vendor partnerships. Exceptional leadership, communication, and executive partnership skills. SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred. While the ideal candidate will be located in the San Francisco Bay Area, this role may be performed remotely with approximately 10% (2-3 days/month) travel to plant locations. Candidates must reside in one of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, or Washington.Calbee North America is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status or any other legally protected status.